Cooking and water heating apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for use combined cooking and water heating, the apparatus including a combustion chamber for burning a fuel to generate heat, a cooking support positioned above the combustion chamber in use to allow cooking to be performed, a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the combustion chamber, a water reservoir coupled to the heat exchanger via delivery and return fluid paths, allowing water from the reservoir to be circulated through the heat exchanger to thereby heat the water in the reservoir, a separator provided in the return path to separate steam from heated water and a condenser element for condensing steam to thereby provide distilled water to a distilled water outlet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for use combined cooking and water heating, and in one example to an apparatus for cooking, heating and distilling water, and optionally generating electricity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

It is known to perform cooking on a stove heated by burning a fuel source such as wood, gas or other flammable material. It is known to distil water by means of evaporating heated water which is in turn condensed and cooled by means of passing the condensate through a heat exchanger situated inside another body of water through which process the body of water will be heated as it absorbs heat from the condensate. It is known to heat a cooking vessel with steam being produced from a bath which is heated whereby the steam condenses as it transfers the heat to the cooking vessel which after the condensate flow or drips back into a receptor which is isolated from the heated bath.

For example, U.S. Ser. No. 780,851 describes a cooking unit whereby a body of water is heated to form steam which then in turn heats a number of cooking pots/baskets placed one above the other. As the steam condenses against the surface of the pots/baskets the condensate returns to a condensate catchment area to be drawn off as required.

In CN101424408 a dual steaming and roasting apparatus is described whereby a furnace is used to heat water in a pipe situated between the furnace and a cooking area such that steam generated in the pipe then enters a food steaming container, whilst another cooking container is directly heated by the furnace.

U.S. 2007/0193576 describes a portable heating device includes an enclosed structure for containing and heating water. The firebox is constructed of steel and sits on four removable legs, allowing a campfire to burn on top of and underneath the firebox, maximizing heating elements. The heating of large quantities of water can be achieved by circulating water from a reservoir, through heat resistant hoses to the firebox, and then back into the reservoir once heated. This feature allows a hot tub for camping. A receptacle is placed in the upper firebox allowing a support post to be inserted, which supports a swivel arm or swivel grill for meal preparation. With the attachment of a steam diffuser, the portable heater can be used in combination with a sealable tent to become a sweat lodge. The device is also self-contained and easily transported by its conversion into a carrying case when not in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,161 describes an apparatus and method for heating and delivering water by use of a campfire, comprising drawing water from a first kettle through a supply hose to a heat exchanger that is placed in the campfire. The water in the heat exchanger boils to cause a discharge of water upwardly through a delivery tube to a collecting kettle, after which the pressure in the heat exchanger drops to cause a further supply of water to be drawn from the supply kettle to the heat exchanger. Thus, quantities of hot water (e.g. a cupful in each quantity) can be discharged at short intervals (45 seconds or so) to supply cups of hot water for a beverage such as coffee, tea, etc. Other embodiments are arranged to draw water from a lower location up to the heat exchanger and then pump the water upwardly to a storage container.

However, the abovementioned arrangements provide only limited functionality and convenience.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In one broad form the present invention seeks to provide an apparatus for use combined cooking and water heating, the apparatus including:

a) a combustion chamber for burning a fuel to generate heat;

b) a cooking support positioned above the combustion chamber in use to allow cooking to be performed;

c) a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the combustion chamber;

d) a water reservoir coupled to the heat exchanger via delivery and return fluid paths, allowing water from the reservoir to be circulated through the heat exchanger to thereby heat the water in the reservoir;

e) a separator provided in the return path to separate steam from heated water; and,

f) a condenser element for condensing steam to thereby provide distilled water to a distilled water outlet.

Typically the heat exchanger is a coiled tube extending around at least part of at least one of:

a) a perimeter of the combustion chamber; and,

b) an inner side wall of the combustion chamber.

The coiled tube can be removably mounted within the combustion chamber.

Typically the condenser element extends at least part way through the reservoir to thereby deliver heat to the water within the reservoir.

Typically the return path is positioned higher than the delivery path so that water recirculates at least in part through convection.

Typically the cooking support is at least one of:

a) a grill;

b) a cooking surface; and,

c) a support for a cooking utensil.

Typically the apparatus includes a cylindrical housing containing the combustion chamber.

Typically the cooking support is coupled to apertures extending circumferentially and axially along the housing, thereby allowing a position of the cooking support to be adjusted by relative rotation of the cooking support and housing.

Typically the cylindrical housing includes a divider defining first and second chamber portions, the divider being used to support combustible material in use such that solid by-products pass through the divider into the second chamber.

Typically the divider is removably mounted to the housing.

Typically a plate is mounted in the second chamber to collect the solid by-products, and wherein the by-products can be removed by at least one of:

a) a door in the housing; and,

b) removal of the plate.

Typically the housing include retractable legs for supporting the housing in use.

Typically the water reservoir can be contained within the combustion chamber when not in use.

Typically the apparatus includes a stand that supports the water reservoir in use.

Typically the distilled water outlet extends from an underside of the water reservoir allowing a receptacle to be positioned beneath the water reservoir for receiving water from the distilled water outlet.

Typically a hot water outlet is provided in the delivery path.

Typically the fuel is a solid fuel.

Typically the apparatus includes a heat to electricity converter for generating electricity using at least one of steam and heated water.

In one broad form the present invention seeks to provide an apparatus for use combined cooking and water heating, wherein the apparatus includes:

a) a furnace including:

-   -   i) a furnace housing defining a combustion chamber, the         combustion chamber to contain a combustible fuel for burning and         providing heat in use;     -   ii) a combustion chamber divider being perforated such as to         allow air flow through the combustion chamber divider, the         combustion chamber divider dividing the combustion chamber in an         upper and lower combustion chamber portion;     -   iii) a heat exchanger, spirally formed from a hollow fluidic         carrying tube adjacent an inner wall of the combustion chamber         leaving the combustion chamber open for occupation by the         combustible fuel, having an inlet positioned below an outlet;     -   iv) a cooking surface, mounted adjustably and removably to the         furnace housing via a cooking surface holding frame, forming a         cover above the upper combustion chamber portion;     -   v) a plate, removably mounted to the furnace housing, forming a         floor to the lower combustion chamber portion; and,

b) a water reservoir including:

-   -   i) a water reservoir body; and,     -   ii) a water reservoir lid, removably mounted to the top of the         water reservoir, having:         -   (1) a closable refill aperture; and,         -   (2) a sealable vapour inlet aperture; and,         -   (3) a sealable condensate return aperture; and,     -   iii) a condensing element, immersed in the liquid inside the         water reservoir, formed to receive heated vapour and in doing so         transfer heat from the vapour to fluid in the water reservoir,         the condensing element being removably mounted to the water         reservoir lid through the sealable vapour inlet aperture, with         an inlet on the top of the element and an outlet at the bottom         of the element removably protruding through the wall of the         water reservoir mounted such as to prevent leakage of the liquid         from the water reservoir, whilst allowing condensate to drain         from the condensing element; and,     -   iv) a condensate return element, protruding through the sealable         condensate return aperture into the water reservoir; and,     -   v) a sealable liquid outlet aperture, situated towards the         bottom of the water reservoir; and,

c) a vapour-condensate separator, having:

-   -   i) a vapour-condensate inlet; and,     -   ii) a vapour outlet, situated towards the top of the         vapour-condensate separator; and,     -   iii) a condensate outlet, situated towards the bottom of the         vapour-condensate separator; and,

d) a one way flow controller having a controller inlet and a controller outlet; and,

e) flow paths to allow fluid flow between:

-   -   i) the outlet of the heat exchanger and the vapour-condensate         inlet of the vapour-condensate separator; and,     -   ii) the vapour outlet of the vapour-condensate separator and the         inlet of the condensing element; and,     -   iii) the condensate outlet of the vapour-condensate separator to         the condensate return element of the water reservoir; and,     -   iv) the sealable liquid outlet aperture of the water reservoir         to the inlet of the fluidic flow direction controller; and,     -   v) the outlet of the fluidic flow direction controller to the         inlet of the heat exchanger.

Typically the apparatus includes a hot water outlet from which heated water in the water reservoir is extracted.

Typically the hot water outlet is in at least one of:

a) a wall of the water reservoir; and,

b) water reservoir in the flow path connecting the sealable liquid outlet aperture of the water reservoir with the inlet of the fluidic flow direction controller.

Typically the apparatus includes a valve connected to the hot water outlet to control extraction of the liquid from the water reservoir.

Typically the apparatus includes a platform onto which the water reservoir is positioned at an elevation such that liquid from the water reservoir can flow in to the heat exchanger under gravity.

Typically the condensed vapour is collected in a vessel situated at an elevation lower than the outlet of the condensing element.

Typically the platform is configured to be at least one of dismantled, collapsed and sized to fit over the furnace.

Typically the furnace includes at least three legs at least one of removably mounted to and hingably attached to the furnace, allowing the legs to support the furnace in an elevated position when the legs are either attached or lowered.

Typically the plate loosely rests on protrusions inwardly facing from at least one of the furnace housing and hinges of legs, the plate having a perimeter shape such that rotation of the plate allows removal from the furnace housing through a bottom of the furnace housing.

Typically the combustion chamber divider rests on protrusions facing inwardly from the furnace housing.

Typically the combustion chamber divider is positioned below the inwardly facing protrusions such that if the combustion chamber divider is supported by an external burner arrangement, the furnace will rest on the combustion chamber divider.

Typically the furnace housing is fitted with a door at least one of hinged and sliding to allow access to the furnace chamber below the combustion chamber divider.

Typically the furnace housing includes at least three individually diagonal slots spiralling equally spaced on the furnace housing perimeter upwards starting at a position above the combustion chamber divider extending towards the top of the furnace housing and wherein the cooking surface includes a holding frame with at least three supports radially spaced equally around the furnace housing, each support having an at least one protruding feature protruding through the diagonal spiralling slots on the surface of the furnace housing retained equally spaced and snuggly to the furnace housing by a ring wrapping around the furnace housing whereby the ring is fixed to each support and loosely fitting around the furnace housing such that it can rotate around the furnace housing and by doing so results in the cooking surface holding frame being adjusted upwardly or downwardly.

Typically the cooking surface holding frame supports are elongated and vertically mounted such as to form legs onto which top a cooking surface support is attached maintaining the radially equally spaced position of the holding frame supports in such a way as to maintain their position being parallel towards one another.

Typically the cooking surface support has an at least three inwardly facing protrusions or having a ridge onto which the cooking surface removably rests.

Typically the water reservoir is removable and sized so as to fit inside the furnace housing and heat exchanger to allow for storage therein.

Typically the vapour-condensate separator is removable from the fluid paths and sized so as to fit inside the water reservoir to allow for compact storage therein.

Typically the fluid paths are pipes removable and sized so as to fit inside the water reservoir for compact storage therein.

Typically the apparatus includes a hood that is used as at least one of:

a) a heat retaining hood that covers the cooking surface; and,

b) a cooking utensil when positioned on the cooking surface.

Typically a cooking surface support includes a tool to allow for height adjustment of the cooking surface when hot, the tool being detachable to prevent the tool from being heated when not used.

Typically the tool includes an elongate member that fits through two opposing slots in the perimeter of the cooking surface support frame below the cooking surface.

Typically if the tool is attached to the cooking surface support to operate as a handle.

Typically the water reservoir lid is fitted with a valve to allow the water reservoir to be pressurised by means of an air delivery pump allowing liquid from the water reservoir to be delivered to a point at elevation higher than the water reservoir.

Typically the apparatus include a shut-off valve to prevent flow of water to the heat exchanger.

Typically the return element is at least one of:

a) open ended; and,

b) fitted with a restrictor to restrict flow and/or reduce the rate of flow through the condensate return element.

Typically the condensing element is at least one of:

a) a helically formed tube;

b) an elongate predominantly straight tube; and,

c) an elongate tube with an at least one bend.

Typically the condensing element is fitted with a flow restrictive insert that at least one of:

a) increases the path length the condensate has to follow through the tube;

b) increases the surface contact area between the condensate and the condensing element;

c) reduces the flow rate of condensate through the condensing element whereby the time the vapour/condensate is exposed to the surrounding liquid via thermal connection is increased allowing more efficient heat transfer from the vapour/condensate to the surrounding liquid in the water reservoir.

It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention and their respective optional features, can be used in conjunction and/or independently, and reference to separate broad forms is not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a first example of apparatus for combined cooking and heating of water;

FIG. 2A is a schematic side view of a second example of apparatus for combined simultaneous cooking, distilling and heating of water;

FIG. 2B is a schematic side view of the furnace in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a sectional schematic side view of the furnace along the line A-A′ of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2D is a plan view of the furnace of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2E is a schematic perspective external view of the furnace of FIG. 2B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An example of apparatus for use in combined cooking and water heating will now be described with reference to FIG. 1.

In this example, the apparatus includes a combustion chamber 10 for burning a fuel to generate heat and a cooking support 11 positioned above the combustion chamber in use to allow cooking to be performed. A heat exchanger 22 is provided in thermal communication with the combustion chamber, allowing heat to be recovered from the burning of fuel therein.

A water reservoir 20 is coupled to the heat exchanger 22 via delivery and return fluid paths 21, 23, allowing water from the reservoir 20 to be circulated through the heat exchanger 22 to thereby heat the water in the reservoir 20.

A separator 24 is provided in the return path to separate steam from heated water, with the heated water being returned to the water reservoir via a reservoir inlet path 25, whilst a condenser element 26 is provided for condensing steam to thereby provide distilled water to a distilled water outlet 27.

Accordingly, the above described arrangement allows the apparatus to be used for cooking, as well as both heating and separately distilling water. This allows waste heat generated during a cooking process to be used to provide both distilled and heated water.

In particular, the apparatus can be used for cooking performed by means of using flame or hot embers produced by burning fuel, whilst at the same time utilising normally wasted heat to distil water, thereby delivering purified water for safe consumption as well as heating a body of water for uses such as washing or heating all occurring at the same time from the same fuel source.

Many scenarios exist where access to clean and safe drinking water is limited or unavailable. Further to this, the source of fuel for cooking could also be scarce, costly or only a limited supply might be available. Delivering safe drinking water, cooking and heating with a single low technology, compact, portable system, from the same fuel source at the same time is of great benefit in many situations. Examples include camping in remote areas, disaster stricken areas, war zones, refugee camps and any scenario where fuel and/or safe drinking water is hard or dangerous to get, or where safe space heating from an open fire is required.

In contrast, traditional cooking arrangements do not use heat from the fuel source that is normally lost to generate steam to be condensed for the purpose of producing water, safe for consumption, from an unsafe source while at the same time, heating a body of water for use as washing or other purpose as well as utilising the fuel source's direct heat radiated upwards for the purpose of cooking.

The above described arrangement also offers more functionality and be more practical in being compact and portable for applications where a low cost, low technology, light weight apparatus would be functional in addressing combined cooking, water purifying/distilling and water heating at the same time from a single fuel source which as a result improve fuel efficiency compared to if these functions were performed individually and from separate fuel sources. This is specifically applicable where access to electricity is not available, electricity supply has been disrupted or devices such as petroleum based electricity generators are not available or the fuel to run these devices are unavailable, costly or hard to come by and combusting solid fuel like wood, cow dung or the like, are the only available options for cooking, water purification, through boiling water and delivering heated water.

A number of further features will now be described.

The heat exchanger 22 is typically a fixed or removably mounted coiled tube extending around at least part of a perimeter of the combustion chamber 10 or an inner side wall of the combustion chamber 10. This allows heat to be recovered from the side of the combustion chamber 10, which maximises heat recovery without impacting on cooking.

The condenser element 26 typically extends at least part way through the water reservoir 20 to thereby deliver heat to the water within the reservoir, which in turn facilitates condensing the steam into water. In one particular example, the condenser element 26 is in the form of a pipe extending through the water reservoir, and which may include a convoluted or tortuous path, to increase the flow length and hence heat transfer.

The return path 23 is typically positioned higher than the delivery path 21 so that water recirculates at least in part through convection, thereby avoiding the need for powered circulation.

The cooking support can be of any suitable form and could include a grill, a cooking surface, such as a hot plate, or a support for a cooking utensil, such as pots, pans or the like.

In one example, the apparatus includes a cylindrical housing 12 containing the combustion chamber. In this example, the cooking support 11 can be coupled to apertures extending circumferentially and axially along the housing, thereby allowing the position of the cooking support to be adjusted by relative rotation of the cooking support and housing, as will be described with respect to a further example below.

The cylindrical housing 12 can include a divider 13 defining first and second chamber portions, the divider 13 being used to support combustible material in use such that solid by-products pass through the divider into the second chamber. In this example, the divider can be removably mounted to the housing, allowing for items, such as components or fuel to be stored therein, when not in use.

A plate 14 can be mounted in the second cavity to collect the solid by-products, allowing the by-products to be removed via either a door (not shown) in the housing or though removal of the plate 14.

The housing can include retractable legs (not shown) for supporting the housing 12 above a ground surface in use. This can be used to reduce heat transfer to the ground, avoiding burning or otherwise harming the surface it rests on.

If suitably sized, the water reservoir 20 can be contained within the combustion chamber 10 when not in use thereby reducing storage requirements. Similarly, other components such as the separator 24, condenser element 26 and flow paths 21, 23, 25 can also be provided either in the water reservoir and/or housing 12 providing a compact arrangement for storage. The apparatus includes a stand that supports the water reservoir in use, and this can be positioned over an outside of the housing when not in use, to also allow for compact storage or transport.

The distilled water outlet can extend from an underside of the water reservoir 20, with the reservoir being supported by a stand or the like, allowing a receptacle to be positioned beneath the water reservoir for receiving water from the distilled water outlet. However, any suitable configuration could be used.

A hot water outlet 28 can also be provided in either the delivery path or part of the water reservoir, allowing hot water to be dispensed.

The separator 24 can include an elongate housing defining an internal cavity. Water is able to flow into the cavity mid-way along the length from the return path 23. The cavity includes a steam outlet positioned at an upper end of the cavity allowing steam to exit via the condensing element 26, whilst the reservoir path is connected to a lower end of the cavity allowing hot water to flow back into the water reservoir.

The fuel is typically a solid fuel such as wood, organic matter, animal dung or the like, or a flammable gas such as bottled liquefied natural gas or the like, or hot embers or coal or the like, whilst at the same time utilising the same heat source to evaporate water to form steam, whereby water to be evaporated is fed by gravity from an adjacent container, then condensing the vapour back to liquid via exchanging heat to the source body of water and in the process transferring the heat energy from the water vapour to the source body.

In one example, the apparatus can include a heat to electricity converter for generating electricity using at least one of steam and heated water. This could include for example using a steam turbine to generate electricity from steam, or a thermo-electric generator for generating electricity from hot water and/or steam. This can further increase the flexibility of the device, making it suited for use in remote environments.

A specific example of the apparatus will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A to 2D.

The apparatus includes a furnace 100 and liquid holding container 200 and vapour-condensate separator 300 and fluidic flow direction controller 400 and fluidic communicators, 501, 502, 503, 504 and 505 and hollow hood 600 and liquid holding container platform 700 and valve 800.

The furnace 100 consists of a cylindrical furnace housing 101 defining a combustion chamber separated in two, an upper and lower, by a combustion chamber divider 102 held in position by an at least three inwardly protruding surfaces 101.1 from the furnace housing 101.

The furnace 100 also includes an opening in the furnace housing 101 to which a slidable or hinged mounted door 102 is affixed allowing external access to the lower combustion chamber.

The furnace 100 also includes an at least three diagonal slots 101.2 on the upper outer part of the furnace housing 101.

The furnace 100 also includes a heat exchanger in the form of a liquid evaporation coil 103 helically formed and of size to fit inside the furnace housing 101, in particular spiralling upwardly along an inner surface wall of the furnace housing 101.

The furnace 100 also includes a cooking surface 104 positioned above the upper combustion chamber supported by a removably adjustable cooking surface holding frame 110 held in place by an at least three cooking surface holding frame legs 110.1 and being radially equally spaced around the cylindrical furnace housing 101 and being attached to a cooking surface support 110.2 onto which the cooking surface 104 removably rests and whereby the cooking surface holding frame legs 110.1 are attached to a cooking surface holding frame guide ring 110.3 which fits around the cylindrical furnace housing 101 in a manner such that it can rotate around the furnace housing 101 being guided in position and elevation through an at least three guide pins 110.4 each fitted to a corresponding cooking surface holding frame leg 110.1 or the cooking surface holding frame guide ring 110.3 protruding through the wall of the furnace housing 101 and thereby being guided by each corresponding diagonal slot 101.2 in a way such that when the cooking surface holding frame 110 is rotated around the furnace housing 101 the elevation of the cooking surface 104 above the upper combustion chamber is adjusted.

The furnace 100 also includes a plate 105 removably mounted to the furnace housing 101.

The furnace also includes an at least three hinged furnace housing legs 108 mounted to hinges 109 which in turn is attached to the furnace housing 101 in such position as to allow each hinged furnace housing leg to be in either a folded-in position for compact storage or folded-out position to elevate and stabilise the furnace when in operation.

The liquid holding container 200 includes a liquid container body 201 which has an outlet to which a fluidic communicator 502 is removably mounted and a sealable aperture 201.1 positioned towards the bottom of the liquid container body 201.

The liquid container 200 includes a liquid container lid 202 removably mounted to a relatively large opening (not shown) in the top of the liquid container body 201. Typically the liquid container lid 202 or the opening is fitted with a liquid container lid seal (not shown) such that when the liquid container lid 202 is fastened to the liquid container body 201 an air tight seal is formed.

The liquid container lid 202 includes a lid cap 202.1 removably mounted to the liquid container lid 202 allowing the liquid container body 201 to be filled or replenished with liquid via the lid cap mouth (not shown) before or while the apparatus is in operation. The lid cap 202.1 is typically fitted with a lid cap seal (not shown) such that when the lid cap 202.1 is fitted to the lid cap mouth (not shown) an air tight seal is formed.

The liquid container lid 202 includes sealable apertures 202.2 and 202.3 allowing a vapour condensing element 203 and condensate return element 204 to be removably mounted to the liquid container lid 202 respectively such that when mounted an air tight seal is formed between the liquid body 201's internal cavity and the external atmosphere.

The vapour condensing element 203 is tubular and can be either straight, predominantly helical or formed to have one or more directional changes allowing a substantially long tubular path condensed to fit in to the liquid container body 201. The vapour condensing element 203 is further removably mounted to the liquid container body 201 via a sealable aperture 201.1 such that when mounted an air tight seal between the liquid container body 201's internal cavity and the external atmosphere is formed. The vapour condensing element 203 is such that it is open to the atmosphere via an end opening 203.1 and can be fluidically connected to the fluidic communicator 504.

The condensate return element 204 is tubular having a drain opening 204.1 allowing fluidic communication between the condensate element 204 and the liquid body 201's cavity and is further such that it can be fluidically connected on the opposite end to the drain opening 301.1.

The apparatus includes a vapour-condensate separator 300 comprising a separator body 301 being substantially hollow having fluidic connection points 301.1 and 301.2 and 301.3. The vapour-condensate separator 300 is fluidically connected to the liquid evaporation coil 103 via fluidic communicator 501 being connected to fluidic connection point 301.1 and vapour condensing element 203 via fluidic communicator 504 being connected to fluidic connection point 301.2 and condensate return element 204 via fluidic connection point 301.3.

The apparatus includes a fluidic flow direction controller 400 fluidically connected to the liquid holding container 200 via fluidic communicator 502 and the liquid evaporation coil 103 via fluidic communicator 505 and functions such that fluidic flow can only occur from the liquid holding container 200 to the liquid evaporation coil 103 and not the other way round.

Optionally the apparatus includes a lid 600 having a body 601 being substantially hollow and having optional handles 601.1. The shape and size of the lid 600 is such that it can be positioned to form a hollow lid over the cooking surface 104 or turned upside down and having removed the cooking surface 104 resting on the cooking surface holding frame 110 function as a container in which cooking can be performed.

The apparatus includes a platform 700 having a shell 701 with an at least one large aperture 701.2 being such that the liquid holding container 200 can be positioned on top of the platform 700 providing elevation to the liquid holding container 200 being supported by a member 701.1. The platform 700 is such that a container (not shown) can be positioned at an elevation below the end opening 203.1 of the vapour condensing element 203 either to the side of the platform 700 or fitted directly below the liquid holding container 200 positioned through the large aperture 701.2

The apparatus includes a valve 800 fluidically connected to fluidic communicator 502 via fluidic communicator 503 through valve connection 800.1 and having an outlet 800.2 from which fluid can be extracted from liquid holding container 200 when the valve is opened.

The apparatus can optionally be fitted with an isolation valve (not shown) positioned in the path of fluidic communicator 502 between the liquid holding container 200 and the connection where fluidic communicator 503 connects to fluidic communicator 502.

The apparatus can be optionally of size and shape for the purpose of compact storage or transportation such that the liquid holding container 200 will fit inside the furnace 100 when the cooking surface 104 and the combustion chamber divider 102 has been removed from the furnace 100 and repositioned above the plate 105. The liquid evaporation coil 103 can be such that the liquid holding container 200 will also fit inside it, or be removed from the furnace 100 and place on top of the liquid holding container 200. The fluidic communicators 501, 502, 503, 504 and 505 together with the fluidic flow direction controller 400 and valve 800 and vapour-condensate separator 300 can be dismantled and stored inside the liquid holding container 200 by removing the liquid holding container lid 202 or inside the furnace 100 along with the liquid holding container 200. The platform 700 then would be of shape and size such that when inverted will fit from the bottom over the furnace 100 when the foldable legs 108 has been folded inwardly. The optional lid 600 will then be place on top of the collapsed embodiment and the total collapsed embodiment could be held together by being placed inside a suitable bag or by means of suitable fastening mechanisms. Typically the bag for storage and transport of the embodiment can be of a flexible insulating material and function as an insulating jacket when placed over and around the vapour-condensate separator 300 and liquid holding container 200 when in operation.

In one example of operating the apparatus a combustible fuel such as wood, pine cones, animal dung or the like is added to the furnace 100 by positioning the fuel inside the upper and/or lower combustion chamber as defined by the combustion chamber divider 102. Liquid holding container 200 is filled with a liquid being predominantly water and possibly containing impurities and pathogens which might render it unsafe for consumption by humans to a level higher than the inlet of liquid evaporation coil 103. Having filled the liquid holding container 200 will result in the liquid evaporation coil 103 being partially or fully filled with contents from the liquid holding container 200. Once the fuel is lit heat being generated passes to the liquid inside the liquid evaporation coil 103. The liquid inside the liquid evaporation coil 103 will now be heated to boiling point where water will be evaporated from the liquid inside the liquid evaporation coil forming steam. Steam forming lower down inside the liquid evaporation coil 103 could force liquid from the liquid evaporation coil 103 resulting in a mixture of liquid and evaporated water to exit the liquid evaporation coil 103 via its top outlet forcing the mixture into the vapour-condensate separator 300. Once the mixture enters the vapour-condensate separator 300 it will separate under gravity whereby liquid and condensate from the water vapour will return to the liquid holding container via the condensate return element 204 whilst water vapour will exit the vapour-condensate separator at the top via outlet 301.2 and enter the vapour condensing element 203 at the top. Since the vapour condensing element 203 is immersed inside liquid held inside the liquid holding container 200 and being at a lower temperature than the water vapour entering the vapour condensing element 203 the water vapour will condense back to liquid having transferred its heat to the liquid inside the liquid holding container 200. The condensed water will under gravity flow through and down the vapour condensing element 203 and exit via the vapour condensing element outlet 203.1 from where it can be collected now being rendered safe for human consumption.

Since most of the heat generated by the combusting fuel is radiated upwards towards the cooking surface 104, the user can perform cooking functions whilst the apparatus provides water safe for consumption, rendering the apparatus dual functional.

Whilst heat is transferred from the vapour condensing element 203 to the liquid inside the liquid holding container 200, the liquid inside the liquid holding container 200 will gradually heat up. This heated liquid can be extracted from the liquid holding container 200 via valve 800 for uses appropriate to the quality of the liquid and where heat and/or heated liquid is required. As an example, if the liquid was of purity such that it would be functional to wash with but not safe for human consumption the extracted liquid could be applied for this purpose and having available a substantial body of heated liquid could be of value rendering the apparatus tri-functional.

In another example available water could be safe for human consumption and/or use but heated water would be of benefit. The apparatus could then be employed to heat a large body of water whilst performing cooking such as when camping in the outdoors. In such an application it would be beneficial to have the apparatus fitted with optional pressurising valve 205 whereby the liquid holding container 200 can be pressurised with a hand pump or the like allowing the user to transport the water from the liquid holding container 200 via a fluidic communicator to an elevation higher than the liquid holding container 200 and be connected to a device such as a shower head situated a distance away from the apparatus. In such an application a shut-off valve (not shown) will be positioned between the junction of fluidic communicators 502 and 503 and the fluidic flow direction controller 400 and be shut to allow pressurisation.

In another example the combustion chamber divider 102 can be positioned such that the furnace embodiment 100 would be supported by the combustion chamber divider 102 if it is externally supported. In this example the plate 105 would be removed and a supported gas burner or the like would be inserted in to the lower combustion chamber of the furnace 100 whereby the furnace 100 then would rest on the gas burner. Alternatively a gas burner or the like could be inserted into the combustion chamber of the furnace 100 via the bottom after the plate 105 has been removed and then be fluidically coupled to an external gas supply.

In another example, the apparatus can be used for generating electricity. This could be achieved in any one of a number of manners. For example, a heat to electricity converter could optionally be mounted to the outlet of the heat exchanger, positioned in the combustion chamber. In this configuration heat contained in the fluid exiting the heat exchanger converted to electricity before or as the fluid exits the heat exchanger and continues along a fluidic connection to the vapour-condensate separator. Alternatively or additionally, a heat to electricity converter could be mounted to the vapour outlet of the vapour-condensate separator. The heat to electricity convertor could be of any appropriate form and could include a thermo-electric generator, steam driven turbine, a regenerative heat engine and generator, or the like. It will be appreciated that the ability to generate electricity further increases the flexibility of the apparatus and enables a wider range of functionality to be provided.

Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described. 

1. An apparatus for use combined cooking and water heating, the apparatus including: a) a combustion chamber for burning a fuel to generate heat; b) a cooking support positioned above the combustion chamber in use to allow cooking to be performed; c) a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the combustion chamber; d) a water reservoir coupled to the heat exchanger via delivery and return fluid paths, allowing water from the reservoir to be circulated through the heat exchanger to thereby heat the water in the reservoir; e) a separator provided in the return path to separate steam from heated water; and, f) a condenser element for condensing steam to thereby provide distilled water to a distilled water outlet.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is a coiled tube that at least one of a) extends around at least part of at least one of: i) a perimeter of the combustion chamber; and, ii) an inner side wall of the combustion chamber; and b) is removably mounted within the combustion chamber.
 3. (canceled)
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one of a) the condenser element extends at least part way through the reservoir to thereby deliver heat to the water within the reservoir; b) the return path is positioned higher than the delivery path so that water recirculates at least in part through convection; and, c) a hot water outlet is provided in the delivery path. 5-6. (canceled)
 7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a cylindrical housing containing the combustion chamber and wherein at least one of: a) the cooking support is coupled to apertures extending circumferentially and axially along the housing, thereby allowing a position of the cooking support to be adjusted by relative rotation of the cooking support and housing; and, b) the cylindrical housing includes a divider defining first and second chamber portions, the divider being used to support combustible material in use such that solid by-products pass through the divider into the second chamber; and, c) the housing includes retractable legs for supporting the housing in use. 8-12. (canceled)
 13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water reservoir can be contained within the combustion chamber when not in use.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a stand that supports the water reservoir in use and wherein the distilled water outlet extends from an underside of the water reservoir allowing a receptacle to be positioned beneath the water reservoir for receiving water from the distilled water outlet. 15-17. (canceled)
 18. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a heat to electricity converter for generating electricity using at least one of steam and heated water.
 19. An apparatus for use combined cooking and water heating, wherein the apparatus includes: a) a furnace including: i) a furnace housing defining a combustion chamber, the combustion chamber to contain a combustible fuel for burning and providing heat in use; ii) a combustion chamber divider being perforated such as to allow air flow through the combustion chamber divider, the combustion chamber divider dividing the combustion chamber in an upper and lower combustion chamber portion; iii) a heat exchanger, spirally formed from a hollow fluidic carrying tube adjacent an inner wall of the combustion chamber leaving the combustion chamber open for occupation by the combustible fuel, having an inlet positioned below an outlet; iv) a cooking surface, mounted adjustably and removably to the furnace housing via a cooking surface holding frame, forming a cover above the upper combustion chamber portion; v) a plate, removably mounted to the furnace housing, forming a floor to the lower combustion chamber portion; and, b) a water reservoir including: i) a water reservoir body; and, ii) a water reservoir lid, removably mounted to the top of the water reservoir, having: (1) a closable refill aperture; and, (2) a sealable vapour inlet aperture; and, (3) a sealable condensate return aperture; and, iii) a condensing element, immersed in the liquid inside the water reservoir, formed to receive heated vapour and in doing so transfer heat from the vapour to fluid in the water reservoir, the condensing element being removably mounted to the water reservoir lid through the sealable vapour inlet aperture, with an inlet on the top of the element and an outlet at the bottom of the element removably protruding through the wall of the water reservoir mounted such as to prevent leakage of the liquid from the water reservoir, whilst allowing condensate to drain from the condensing element; and, iv) a condensate return element, protruding through the sealable condensate return aperture into the water reservoir; and, v) a sealable liquid outlet aperture, situated towards the bottom of the water reservoir; and, c) a vapour-condensate separator, having: i) a vapour-condensate inlet; and, ii) a vapour outlet, situated towards the top of the vapour-condensate separator; and, iii) a condensate outlet, situated towards the bottom of the vapour-condensate separator; and, d) a one way flow controller having a controller inlet and a controller outlet; and, e) flow paths to allow fluid flow between: i) the outlet of the heat exchanger and the vapour-condensate inlet of the vapour-condensate separator; and, ii) the vapour outlet of the vapour-condensate separator and the inlet of the condensing element; and, iii) the condensate outlet of the vapour-condensate separator to the condensate return element of the water reservoir; and, iv) the sealable liquid outlet aperture of the water reservoir to the inlet of the fluidic flow direction controller; and, v) the outlet of the fluidic flow direction controller to the inlet of the heat exchanger.
 20. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the apparatus includes a hot water outlet from which heated water in the water reservoir is extracted and wherein at least one of: a) the hot water outlet is in at least one of: i) a wall of the water reservoir; and, ii) water reservoir in the flow path connecting the sealable liquid outlet aperture of the water reservoir with the inlet of the fluidic flow direction controller; and, b) the apparatus includes a valve connected to the hot water outlet to control extraction of the liquid from the water reservoir. 21-22.(canceled)
 23. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the apparatus includes a platform onto which the water reservoir is positioned at an elevation such that liquid from the water reservoir can flow in to the heat exchanger under gravity and wherein at least one of: a) the condensed vapour is collected in a vessel situated at an elevation lower than the outlet of the condensing element; and, b) the platform is configured to be at least one of dismantled, collapsed and sized to fit over the furnace. 24-25.(canceled)
 26. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein at least one of a) the furnace includes at least three legs at least one of removably mounted to and hingably attached to the furnace, allowing the legs to support the furnace in an elevated position when the legs are either attached or lowered; b) the plate loosely rests on protrusions inwardly facing from at least one of the furnace housing and hinges of legs, the plate having a perimeter shape such that rotation of the plate allows removal from the furnace housing through a bottom of the furnace housing; and, c) the combustion chamber divider at least one of: i) rests on protrusions facing inwardly from the furnace housing; and, ii) is positioned below the inwardly facing protrusions such that if the combustion chamber divider is supported by an external burner arrangement, the furnace will rest on the combustion chamber divider. 27-29.(canceled)
 30. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the furnace housing at least one of a) is fitted with a door at least one of hinged and sliding to allow access to the furnace chamber below the combustion chamber divider; and, b) includes at least three individually diagonal slots spiralling equally spaced on the furnace housing perimeter upwards starting at a position above the combustion chamber divider extending towards the top of the furnace housing and wherein the cooking surface includes a holding frame with at least three supports radially spaced equally around the furnace housing, each support having an at least one protruding feature protruding through the diagonal spiralling slots on the surface of the furnace housing retained equally spaced and snuggly to the furnace housing by a ring wrapping around the furnace housing whereby the ring is fixed to each support and loosely fitting around the furnace housing such that it can rotate around the furnace housing and by doing so results in the cooking surface holding frame being adjusted upwardly or downwardly.
 31. (canceled)
 32. Apparatus according to claim 30, wherein at least one of a) the cooking surface holding frame supports are elongated and vertically mounted such as to form legs onto which top a cooking surface support is attached maintaining the radially equally spaced position of the holding frame supports in such a way as to maintain their position being parallel towards one another; and b) the cooking surface support has an at least three inwardly facing protrusions or having a ridge onto which the cooking surface removably rests.
 33. (canceled)
 34. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein at least one of a) the water reservoir is removable and sized so as to fit inside the furnace housing and heat exchanger to allow for storage therein; b) the vapour-condensate separator is removable from the fluid paths and sized so as to fit inside the water reservoir to allow for compact storage therein; and, c) the fluid paths are pipes removable and sized so as to fit inside the water reservoir for compact storage therein. 35-36. (canceled)
 37. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the apparatus includes a hood that is used as at least one of: a) a heat retaining hood that covers the cooking surface; and, b) a cooking utensil when positioned on the cooking surface.
 38. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein a cooking surface support includes a tool to allow for height adjustment of the cooking surface when hot, the tool being detachable to prevent the tool from being heated when not used, wherein at least one of a) the tool includes an elongate member that fits through two opposing slots in the perimeter of the cooking surface support frame below the cooking surface; and, b) the tool is attached to the cooking surface support to operate as a handle. 39-40. (canceled)
 41. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the water reservoir lid is fitted with a valve to allow the water reservoir to be pressurised by means of an air delivery pump allowing liquid from the water reservoir to be delivered to a point at elevation higher than the water reservoir. 42-43. (canceled)
 44. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein at least one of a) the condensing element is at least one of: i) a helically formed tube; ii) an elongate predominantly straight tube; and, iii) an elongate tube with an at least one bend; and b) the condensing element is fitted with a flow restrictive insert that at least one of: i) increases the path length the condensate has to follow through the tube; ii) increases the surface contact area between the condensate and the condensing element; (1) reduces the flow rate of condensate through the condensing element whereby the time the vapour/condensate is exposed to the surrounding liquid via thermal connection is increased allowing more efficient heat transfer from the vapour/condensate to the surrounding liquid in the water reservoir.
 45. (canceled)
 46. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the apparatus includes a heat to electricity converter for generating electricity using at least one of steam and heated water. 